Make Dash Mold Without Damage
Printed From: the12volt.comForum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=142534
Printed Date: May 02, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Topic: Make Dash Mold Without Damage
Posted By: turbosaab
Subject: Make Dash Mold Without Damage
Date Posted: February 03, 2017 at 7:38 PM
Hey everyone! I need help!
I have a 1999 Saab 9-3, and I'm planning out a custom gauge cluster. I'm not a huge fan of A-Pillar gauge pods as especially in this vehicle they create a pretty huge blind-spot. There is NO good place to mount gauges in this car, and in all of Saab's wisdom, they produced a high-pressure turbo car without an OIL PRESSURE gauge! (It has an idiot light...but that isn't cutting it.) I also picked up a 52mm oil temp gauge. In the photo you'll see what I'm thinking of doing. HERE'S where I need help!
I need to make a mold of the dash curvature so I can build a cluster out of the vehicle. I REALLY don't want to destroy my dash, nor do I want to drill holes in it. My plan is to mount a bracket on the inside of the glove box and have a single mount-point where it can't be seen. *(YELLOW) [[stock photo, not my interior]]
Here's my main question... What's the easiest way to make a mold of the curvature of the dash without destroying the dash? I don't really like the idea of painting fiberglass resin ANYWHERE inside the car. I don't want to destroy the interior. I'd like to sculpt a custom enclosure for the gauges in my workshop and fit it afterwards.
Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas? Maybe I'm going about this a completely ineffective way, and if that's the case...what should I do differently?
Thanks everyone for any ideas or suggestions! Cheers!
~Michael
I have a 1999 Saab 9-3, and I'm planning out a custom gauge cluster. I'm not a huge fan of A-Pillar gauge pods as especially in this vehicle they create a pretty huge blind-spot. There is NO good place to mount gauges in this car, and in all of Saab's wisdom, they produced a high-pressure turbo car without an OIL PRESSURE gauge! (It has an idiot light...but that isn't cutting it.) I also picked up a 52mm oil temp gauge. In the photo you'll see what I'm thinking of doing. HERE'S where I need help!
I need to make a mold of the dash curvature so I can build a cluster out of the vehicle. I REALLY don't want to destroy my dash, nor do I want to drill holes in it. My plan is to mount a bracket on the inside of the glove box and have a single mount-point where it can't be seen. *(YELLOW) [[stock photo, not my interior]]
Here's my main question... What's the easiest way to make a mold of the curvature of the dash without destroying the dash? I don't really like the idea of painting fiberglass resin ANYWHERE inside the car. I don't want to destroy the interior. I'd like to sculpt a custom enclosure for the gauges in my workshop and fit it afterwards.
Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas? Maybe I'm going about this a completely ineffective way, and if that's the case...what should I do differently?
Thanks everyone for any ideas or suggestions! Cheers!
~Michael
Replies:
Posted By: 12volt burnout
Date Posted: March 30, 2017 at 7:48 AM
Posted By: 9074life
Date Posted: October 23, 2021 at 6:53 AM